Good Evening,
It is with pleasure that I join you this evening to extend, on behalf of Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, congratulations and best wishes to the Government and the People of the Federal Republic of Germany as we commemorate, with you, the occasion of your National Day - the Day of German Unity.
The progress of Germany has indeed been remarkable. It is a testament to the German spirit of resilience that the country has surmounted, so successfully, the physical and ideological barriers that once separated its people, to become an economic and political force within Europe and a significant contributor to international peace and development.
This posture was evident through the support given by Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom the New York Times recently referred to as the European Continent’s most powerful politician, to the many refugees who have been fleeing poverty and conflict and making their way to Europe by any means available. Chancellor Merkel has signalled the willingness of Germany to accept more refugees while also attempting to set out a European solution to what has become a serious crisis. The plan, approved by the EU on September 22nd, 2015, will see the most migrants being accepted by Germany, followed closely by France and we certainly laud Chancellor Merkel and your Governments efforts.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, on the bilateral front, Trinidad and Tobago and Germany have enjoyed a long and vibrant relationship since 1962. With common interests, our two countries have collaborated in the areas of culture, sports, climate change, renewable energy and security, among others.
Historically Germany has invested considerably in Trinidad and Tobago. The partnership between firms from Trinidad and Tobago and Germany, particularly in the petrochemical industry has contributed to Trinidad and Tobago’s status as a leading international exporter of ammonia and methanol. Indeed, in the past four years, Germany has invested more than three billion US dollars in Trinidad and Tobago and Ambassador we are looking forward to greater investment in our country.
Our two countries have also shared a great deal in terms of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture and creative sector. Germany is home to a number of Carnivals which has afforded Trinidad and Tobago nationals the opportunity to export their skills. Berlin’s Carnival of Cultures (Karnaval der Kulturen) features Trinidad and Tobago Soca artistes and also features a band, Carnival Explosion, which is a Trinidad and Tobago style ‘Mas Band’. The popularity of the Soca music genre and the Trinbagonian style ‘Mas’ is evidence of how the German people have embraced our creative products. It is my expectation that collaboration and exchanges in this area will grow in the future.
In February of this year, both supporting the local culture as well as attempting to raise awareness about the deleterious effects of climate change, the German Embassy, in a joint effort with the Cropper Foundation, donated forty thousand dollars (TT$40,000) in support of prizes for Children’s Carnival bands and individuals with an environmental theme, and this we see as a very novel approach in supporting carnival.
Germany has also improved its political and commercial interaction with the region through the hosting of the inaugural Germany – CARICOM Conference which took place in Berlin in March of this year. The Conference focussed on the Post-2015 agenda for sustainable development, climate change, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and development cooperation between Germany and the region. Trinidad and Tobago welcomes this new forum for interaction and looks forward to a long and fruitful relationship.
On a personal note, I also wish to congratulate you Ambassador for your enthusiasm shown for the game of cricket, a sport which unites our Caribbean region. Ambassador Görgens, I am told, is now a member of the Queens Park Cricket Club, after having recently attended a cricket match for the first time, in Trinidad and Tobago. Perhaps he will now seek to arrange for some of our cricket coaches and players to give cricket clinics in Germany in the not too distant future.
Finally, allow me to take this opportunity to thank the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Embassy in Port of Spain for supporting Trinidad and Tobago’s successful bid for the Short Stay Schengen Visa Waiver which has had a very positive impact on nationals travelling, visa free, to European Union Member States and those belonging to the Schengen Zone.
Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen, let me conclude by assuring that Trinidad and Tobago is committed to deepening what is already a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with Germany. It is my hope that, in the spirit of the German Day of Unity, our two countries will continue to work together to strengthen our friendship and deepen our bonds for the betterment of both of our nations.
I wish therefore to propose a toast, on behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Germany on the celebration of their National Day and for continued prosperity.
I thank you.
